7 Unique Photos
from Scuba Diving trip to explore the MV Shake’M Shipwreck
by Keone Drew
Have you ever wonder what it’s like to explore and take photos of a sunken shipwreck? In this blog post, I’ll share with you our deep dive onto this popular shipwreck that sits on the seabed off the coastline of Grenada, in the Southern Caribbean.
Not always easy to explore, diving sunken wrecks require proper training and specialized equipment. This combined with calm sea conditions and experienced dive professionals make an experience like this, unique and exciting.
Follow along, as we embark on this dive adventure to explore the MV Shake’M Shipwreck here on the Island of Spice with our friends at Eco Dive - Grenada, where I was able to capture 7 UNIQUE & amazing photos from our experience!
A Brief History
The MV Shake’M (pronounced/ SHAKE-EM) is a 180-ft./60m cargo freighter from my home country of Trinidad and Tobago. According to our friends at Eco Dive - Grenada, on her scheduled voyage to Grenada in 2001, the vessel experienced mechanical issues during a storm. Within sight of the St. George’s harbor, her payload of cement bags shifted suddenly and the vessel began taking on water. Local fishermen recall that within minutes, this massive vessel had sunk quickly below the waves; leaving all its maritime equipment and cargo intact aboard the vessel.
Now, almost two decades later and about a mile off the coast of Grenada, this shipwreck sits on the ocean floor at approximately 105ft./32m. She is one of Grenada’s most popular wreck diving sites for experienced scuba and technical divers.
The MV Shake’M supports an abundance of life; with healthy coral growth throughout the wreck. Divers can explore the full exterior of the vessel with access to the pilothouse; stare in awe of her massive welded crane house, glide along the length of her upright hull, or float through the open cargo hold still holding her payload of stacked cement bags.
Keep reading as we explore all the wonderful points of interest on our deep dive on this shipwreck.
With clear skies and flat glass-like conditions at the surface, we could not ask for better weather conditions for the day’s dive trip. As we head towards the dive site, Scuba Instructor Ron briefed the group of divers. With only a 15-minute boat ride, Captain Hansel signaled that we were approaching the wreck site. With final checks on camera and dive gear completed and the boat hovering over the shipwreck, we entered the crystal clear blue waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Stern and Props
We descended onto the sunken cargo ship to her deepest point, the stern. With the propeller still attached and covered with black gorgonian corals, the color contrast of purples, reds, oranges, blues & greens made for a fantastic underwater photo (pictured on the right).
As we moved around the rear of the vessel, we stared in awe of the beautiful artificial reef created by her time spent on the seabed. Moderate currents and great visibility added to an already fantastic moment for divers. We had all the time to appreciate the magnitude of this wreck but more importantly, allow me the chance to snap a variety of photos that captured only a glimpse of this beautiful experience on this popular dive site.
Welded Crane House
As we shallowed to the hull of the shipwreck, I made my way to the crane house at the center of the vessel. A coup of photos led to my favorite shot of this dive. With the abundant marine life surrounding this segment, I snapped this gem (shown below).
A vibrant photo representing the plethora of colors illuminated by both my camera strobe lighting and the brilliant ambient light of the sun piercing through the crystal clear blue waters at around 60ft./18m.
What a true beauty and representation of the kaleidoscope of marine life present on this artificial reef; from black gorgonian soft corals, orange tube sponges, white hydroids, and various Caribbean reef fish.
Bow and Mast
With our no-stop decompression limits winding down, we prepare for our ascent to the surface. We proceeded to the bow to explore the vessel’s mast; fully upright and covered in coral. At the base, the vessel’s deck machinery clearly recognizable as if still floating at the surface. This makes for a few amazing photos that really show the characteristics of this wreck.
As Instructor Ron signals to begin our ascent, divers make their way around the mast for their last moments; admiring the wreck before we start our slow ascent to our safety stop. Wishing we could all stay on the wreck for longer, this was truly an experience worth sharing with you.
Conclusion
I really do hope that you enjoyed this shared adventure, and our deep dive to explore the MV Shake’M Shipwreck. A true beauty here on the Island of Spice with our friends at Eco Dive - Grenada. A beautiful day topped with some fantastic scuba diving coming away with these unique & amazing underwater photos.
Remember, be bold and take chances with your photography.
Take care for now and thanks for reading!
- Keone
Check out the full gallery in ‘My Portfolio'.’
